Hopefully, the Jackets won’t have to play the Bisons, unless they beat UGAg of course. Many of their fans are also probably Tennessee fans so they probably hate the mutts almost as much as we do. Here’s some info on the Bisons from Nashville.
1. Starting Rotation
- Rex Brothers, LHP, 3-5 record, 5.69 ERA, Sophomore. He led the A-Sun in Ks (93), 2007 Freshman All-American, 2008 All-Tournament Team
- Brandon McClurg, RHP, 6-5 record. 3.11 ERA, Junior. McClurg had the lowest opposing batting average in A-Sun, 2008 All-Conference
- Mike Dunn, LHP, 5-4 record, 4.89 ERA, Senior transfer from Austin Peay.
- Josh Smith, RHP, 3-3, 4.88 ERA, Sophomore, returned from Tommy Johnssurgery in 2007.
2. Bullpen
Top Reliever is Chris Burnette, 2-1 record, 2.60 ERA, Senior transfer (Palm Beach CC) 2008 All-Tournament Team
3. Offense
There is plenty of power in the lineup, but they are able to play small ball when needed. There will be 5 lefties in the batting order and one switch hitter. The top hitters are Caleb Joseph with a .352 BA and 60 RBI and Allen Bolden hitting .343 with 47 RBI.
4. Defense
Very nifty infield, with great double-play ability. Branden Cadavid (3B) will probably make some spectacular plays, as can SS Jorge Guiterriez. The team led the Atlantic Sun Conference in double plays (64).
5. Speed
No information given, but would expect nothing really above average speed from the lower tier conference team. I guess we’ll see this weekend.
6. Coach
Jeff Forehand is a 2nd year coach at Lipscomb. Forehand coached the past six seasons at Trevecca University, compiling a 211-142-1 record. In 2004 he was named NAIA Region XI Coach of the Year and TranSouth Conference Coach of the Year. He was also named TranSouth Conference Coach of the Year in 2005. Forehand, a Nashville native, also guided Goodpasture Christian School to three state titles in 1995, 1997 and 1999 in his eight seasons as head coach. He was also named State Coach of the Year three times. Coach Forehand is said to be a players coach and a very good motivator. He is not a ranter and raver on the field like Perno and McDonnell.
6. Experience
The starting nine is upperclassmen except for 1B, but the pitching staff is young.
Lipscomb is in it’s fifth year of Div I play, having previously been a powerhouse NAIA team with 2 national championships. They went 32-28 in the regular season and conference tournament. Honestly, the Bisons will most likely be two and through in Athens. However, I think we are all Bison fans on Friday as they take on the Mutts in Game 1 at 3:00.
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